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Israel to receive first delivery of F-35’s in two weeks time

Following approval to purchase a total of 50 fighter jets, Israel to receive first delivery of F-35’s on Dec. 12

Israel is set to receive its first pair of F-35’s in two weeks time, the first delivery of 50 F-35’s Israel is to receive. The jets are set to arrive to Israel’s Nevatim Air Force Base in the south on December 12, 2016.

The F-35, or as named in Israel “Adir”, meaning “mighty/awesome/glorious”, were revealed to the public mid-year at the Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company in Texas. The Lockheed Martin produced jets cost around $110 million each.

Israel’s security cabinet announced this week that an additional 17 F-35 fighter jets were to be purchased, totaling at 50 in total, making Israel not only the only country in the region to have the F-35, but most importantly, making the Jewish state the most advanced in aerial defense and capabilities. The cabinet approved $1.5 billion for the purchase. The planes to be purchases as part of the United States and Israel’s Memorandum of Understanding.

Israel’s security cabinet approved the purchase of 14 jets in 2014, the number rising to 50 with reports that Israel intends to purchase a total of 75 jets.

The F-35 is capable of carrying over 16 tons of bombs and missiles and is most unique for having the most advanced stealth technology of any aircraft. The F-35 is also Israel’s solution to the S-300, as it is capable of evading the air defense system.

Israel has also heavily contributed to the F-35’s development. While Lockheed Martin have created and produced the fighter jets, Israel’s Elbit System and Israel Aerospace Industries have created parts for the fighter jets. The helmets for the jets were also jointly created by Elbit and Rockwell Collins.